Roni Bintang started his career in photojournalism in 2011 because he couldn’t resist the challenge, the travel, and the urge to tell the world stories from his home, Indonesia.
His background was in humanitarian aid, working in remote parts of Indonesia after the devastating 2004 tsunami.
This concern for humanity – and for humankind’s relationship with nature – continues to be the focus of his photos.
As a freelance photographer, Roni has covered major breaking news events for international wire services Reuters and Australian Associated Press (AAP).
When he goes to both natural and man-made disasters, he draws on those skills from his NGO life – quick-thinking, sensitivity and understanding of difficult environments.
His other passion is photo documentary. It requires more patience and a longer perspective, but Roni applies the same principles: work ethically and only get those images that show the truth of the subject, and why it matters now.
Indonesia has thousands of stories to tell, including some urgent environmental and social challenges that deserve the world’s attention. In 2017, Roni was contract photographer for UN Women Indonesia, using his skills to tell stories of women’s empowerment.
In 2013, Roni won Reuters Photo of The Year for his mesmerising image of an ash cloud billowing from Sumatra’s Mount Sinabung volcano. In 2015, he was recognised in the spot news and general news categories in the Indonesian Photojournalists Awards (Anugerah Pewarta Foto Indonesia).
Roni is now based in Newcastle, Australia, and is available for:
breaking news and feature stories
corporate meetings, conferences and events
professional headshots and team photos
research and videography.